Treating All Ills in All Creatures

In the popular book All Creatures Great and Small, James Herriot treated every kind of ailment in nearly every kind of animal. But as veterinary medicine came of age, the explosion in information spawned specialists in every field, such as cardiology, ophthalmology, dermatology and many other ologies.

Just like in human medicine, veterinary specialists undergo intensive training and must pass rigorous certification exams in their field. So if your pet has a complex or unusual problem, your vet may refer you to a specialist. Likewise, if you have an unusual pet, like a bird or reptile, you may need to see a vet who specializes in exotic animals.

In either case, seeing a specialist often means visiting a specialty practice or teaching hospital. The expert knowledge and experience of a veterinary specialist can be well worth it.